Copts United has met with father Isidoros of St. Samuel monastery, who has been serving in Switzerland for years as priest of St. Mark and St. Maurice. In this interview we’ll be talking with him about Copts in Switzerland, religious and political asylum, in addition to the civil marriage.
* How did you join monasticism and why did you serve in Switzerland?
In 1993 I joined the monastery of St. Samuel in Egypt and was ordained priest in 1997. In 2003, I traveled to Germany to work with Father. Michael Albrmosi on establishing the first Coptic monastery in Germany, 60 kilometers from Frankfurt. Then, I moved to serve in Switzerland in 2007.
*You spend some time at a Catholic monastery in Germany; tell us about the unity between the churches in that framework?
This monastery is very similar to the Coptic monasteries. I believe that Pope Tawadros II is doing his best to achieve such unity. We accept the Catholic baptism and working to unite the feasts.
*Have religious and political asylum in Europe increased since the revolution of January 2011?
I do not know exactly how many people have applied for religious or political asylum during the past four years, but indeed many people have sought immigration to Europe since January 2011. The cases are investigated precisely before they are accepted.
* What kind of cases that is easier to get religious asylum?
Those related to a matter of death or life. There was a Coptic Christian man working at the armed forces, who traveled to Israel and was severely persecuted in Egypt and his properties were seized.
* Are there any sympathy towards Coptic Christian asylum seekers in the West?
Not at all, it depends on each case. For example, Christians in Syria and Iraq are subject to ethnic cleansing at their homeland. Thus, they are receiving some sympathy.
* Did Coptic Christians immigration to Georgia work out?
Unfortunately, the answer is no, as Georgia is a poor country and did not join the European Union. Furthermore, the Coptic immigrants are suffering from poverty and are seeking immigration to other European countries.
* Do you encourage Copts in Egypt to apply for religious or political asylum in European countries?
In Egypt, there are more than 12 million Christian citizens, and there is no country that can receive that much number of people. Additionally, the Copts can’t abandon their country and heritage for persecution. They have suffered much more along history and yet withstood.
*How about the civil marriage and does the Coptic church accept it?
The Church doesn’t bless the civil marriage as Christians should seek the heavenly life as well as the earthly one. The marriage partners should be a good match and share good spiritual life in order to be able to raise their children in the fear of God.
Does religion prevent divorce?
It should protect the people from sin.
Does the Coptic Church in Europe treat the Copts who involve in civil marriage better than in Egypt?
Those who get married in a civil marriage may attend the holy mass as catechumens, but they can’t receive communion. This is the rule in both Egypt and Europe. However, the nature of Egyptian society may be a bit harsher to them.
